Turkey, Qatar sign mutual defence agreement, pledge unified stance against attack

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani signed a mutual defense pact in Istanbul on Friday, aiming to bolster collective defense and regional security. The accord, unveiled after talks between the two leaders, commits Turkey and Qatar to consult on security threats, regional and global issues, and defense policies.

The leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation through joint military exercises, defense industry partnerships, and personnel training exchanges. The statement emphasized the commitment of both nations to safeguarding their sovereignty and territorial integrity within a more secure regional order. President Erdogan expressed a continued commitment to preventing war in the Gulf region and fostering dialogue for peace.

Additionally, the countries signaled readiness to strengthen energy cooperation, particularly in liquefied natural gas trade, expanding on their existing relationship. Turkey and Qatar have been working to develop and diversify their energy partnership, with defense industry collaboration expected to grow as well. In August, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca, uniting Sunni Muslim US allies amidst regional conflicts.

Turkey's parliament ratified the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last week, facilitating Ankara's potential military support for Saudi Arabia, which has been battling Iran-backed Houthi militants. The agreement stipulates that an attack on one party is considered an attack on all.